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Clearwater Beach Travel Guide

Known for the breathtaking sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico and
warm tropical breezes, the holiday destination of Clearwater Beach
is the crème de la crème of Florida's west coast and
has consistently been voted one of the top 10 beaches in the United
States. Florida wasn't dubbed the 'Sunshine State' for nothing and
with Clearwater holding a record 361 days of sunshine per year,
it's no wonder it has become one of the fastest growing holiday
destinations in the world. Clearwater is a safer, more affordable,
quieter and calmer option than other more prominent destinations in
Florida. Who could resist? With over two and a half miles (4km) of
beautiful, tropical sandy white beaches to frolic on, Clearwater
Beach has some of the best water activities in Tampa Bay and its
beach restaurants offer some of the ocean's finest fare. The ideal
setting for a romantic stroll along the beach at sunset, gently
rocking in a canvas hammock under the rustling palm trees or
exploring the oceans' secrets aboard a pirate ship cruise, there is
something for everyone in Clearwater Beach.

Arguably one of the most unique and exciting places to do a spot
of shopping while on holiday in Clearwater Beach is during 'Sunsets
at Pier 60', where homemade art and crafts items created by local
artisans are sold, including jewellery, candles, puka shell
necklaces, shark's teeth and other exotic souvenirs and gifts.
Along Mandalay Avenue, countless T-shirt stores flog everything
from suntan lotion to boogie boards. Clearwater Beach offers plenty
of shopping malls, specialty shops, boutiques, clothing stores and
much more to fulfil every shopaholic's last craving.

Clearwater Beach has a wide variety of restaurants to enjoy
while on holiday, with seafood lovers especially well catered for.
Frenchy's consists of three restaurants, each with its own unique
charm and signature dishes: the Saltwater Café serves the
ocean's freshest fish and the tastiest Stone Crabs in Clearwater;
the Rockaway Grill offers mouth-watering steaks; and the Original
Frenchy's Café provides a wonderful variety of foods for the
more indecisive diner. Boasting the best location to watch the sun
dip below the horizon, Jimmy's Fish House and Iguana Bar offer a
more relaxed and fun atmosphere with live entertainment nightly,
making it a fantastic spot for a slightly more casual yet upbeat
dining experience.

Watching the sunset while sipping on a cocktail at one of
Clearwater's many beach bars is a favourite way to ease into the
night while on holiday. Once the stars come out Clearwater comes to
life with bars, nightclubs and comedy clubs proving to be the most
popular nocturnal activities. For those who like to dress to
impress and get down and boogie, a night out at Bricktown 54,
Clearwater's very own 70s and 80s disco club, is a must. Shepherd's
Beach Resort is party central, with the bright and very noisy Wave
Club on the first floor of the hotel. Located just outside the
hotel on the soft sandy beach is the Tiki Bar where live bands
perform almost every night.

With 44 golf courses in the area and two and a half miles (4km)
of coastline, there are plenty of leisure activities and
watersports for holiday visitors to enjoy in Clearwater. From
Jetskis and parasailing to boat tours, diving, fishing and sailing
charters, visitors are guaranteed to spend countless hours in the
Gulf's warm waters. Pirate ship cruises aboard the 70-foot (21m)
three-tiered Pirate's Ransom are a must for anyone up for a
swashbuckling good time. The Jolley Trolley is a great way to visit
some of the surrounding attractions, such as Sand Key and the
Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Pier 60 is known as the central hub of
Clearwater Beach featuring a playground for children and hosting
one of the most famous nightly events, 'Sunsets at Pier 60', where
visitors can partake in live entertainment with street
performers.